○○의 수

"Oh-oh-ee Soo" (The "○○" is pronounced like the English letters "O-O," and "의 수" sounds like "ee soo")

This meme originated from the traditional analysis of "경우의 수" (gyeong-u-ui su, meaning 'number of cases' or 'scenarios'). This analysis was historically used when the South Korean national football team's self-advancement from the group stage of international tournaments (like the World Cup) became uncertain. Fans would calculate the team's chances of reaching the Round of 16 (or 32) based on other teams' match results and goal differences. The 2026 North America World Cup expanded to 48 participating nations, making it an unprecedentedly relaxed regulation where even third-place teams could aim for the Round of 32. Despite this, the national team (under coach Hong Myung-bo) faced a shocking group stage elimination. This led to the meme being reborn as a cruel parody, mocking the situation.

Late June 2026 - Ongoing The meme began spreading explosively through online communities and social media immediately after the South Korean national team's 0-1 loss to South Africa in their third group stage match of the 2026 North America World Cup (around June 25th), during the period when fans were waiting for other group results, and after the team's elimination was finally confirmed on June 28th.

In the past, this was a "humorous culture" where fans held onto slim hopes and cheered for the results of other countries' matches. However, the "경우의 수" meme in the 2026 tournament now encapsulates the extreme anger and self-deprecation of football fans, along with sharp criticism and ridicule directed at the national team's management and coach. Especially after the tournament, it transformed into variations like, "The only remaining 'cases' for us are whether the national team arrives at Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 or Terminal 2." This is used to satirize the anger fans might express upon the team's return (e.g., a repeat of past incidents like throwing taffy).

• Primary Consumers: Football fans and the general public in their 20s and 30s who use major online communities.
• Spreaders: Football YouTubers and AI video creators who were disappointed by the team's lack of tactics and controversies surrounding "cronyism" (e.g., the "Goryeo Line" controversy) have spearheaded the meme's spread.

• "I thought all the national team's 'cases' were over, but there's still one left. Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 at Incheon Airport, that is the question."
• "Hong Myung-bo's team's perfect final 'cases' calculation method: If they fly Korean Air, Terminal 2 is confirmed."
• (With an AI-generated image) "This return trip's 'cases' are a battle of whether it's eggs or pumpkin taffy flying at them."

• Beware of Excessive Criticism: This meme operates not merely as entertainment but is rooted in strong social condemnation and anger towards specific individuals (the coach and football association officials). Excessive personal attacks or indiscriminate sharing of manipulated videos could lead to legal issues and should be avoided.
• Guard Against "Neojeol" (Over-the-Top) Offline Spread: Recently, some self-employed businesses and online communities have shown an escalation beyond satire, such as posting notices banning specific individuals. It is important to maintain the boundaries of humor.